USWNT Players’ European Exodus: Can the NWSL Compete?

Barely had the agreement been formalized regarding the significant transfer of striker Alyssa Thompson from Angel City FC to Chelsea when Emma Hayes, the U.S. women’s national team’s manager, journeyed to New York to engage with the NWSL’s governing body.

Hayes was already aware that certain NWSL leaders were insinuating she was advising USWNT members that they needed to compete in Europe. Thompson’s switch, propelled by Chelsea’s determined efforts to acquire the winger, acted as a catalyst, giving fresh momentum to existing rumors and triggering a degree of apprehension within NWSL ranks.

Consequently, Hayes acted upon the guidance she imparted to the media the previous year during her introductory press conference. “Without proper dialogue,” she stated, “misunderstandings and negative perceptions often arise.”

Hayes addressed the assemblage of owners and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman at a recent meeting. Numerous sources informed ESPN that she posed a straightforward query: Female soccer players have consistently championed the right to select their career paths. Why would I seek to deprive them of that autonomy?

The fact that Hayes deemed it necessary to tackle the issue so plainly underscores the level of unease among some within the NWSL concerning the potential departure of prominent USWNT players to premier European teams. The extent to which this should be a primary worry in an ever-changing global context is an entirely separate matter.

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– A look at how the USWNT selects its opponents and venues for friendly matches.
– Who is the standout young talent in the NWSL? A ranking of every player under 19.
– Ranking the 10 most accomplished NWSL teams in history: Who secures the top spot?

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What adjustments have been made for USWNT players?

As Hayes pointed out, athletes have the liberty to accept contracts wherever they desire.

A decade prior, this might not have been entirely accurate for a player aspiring to be a consistent presence on the USWNT. However, it is more relevant now than ever due to the complete implementation of free agency within the NWSL’s updated collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified last year. Combined with the elimination of U.S. Soccer-supported contracts for national team participants within the NWSL, USWNT players now possess the ability to participate wherever they choose, both nationally and internationally.

Hayes highlighted this freedom of preference publicly the previous week, approximately a month after conveying her private message to the NWSL’s board, stating that she endeavors “to consider the individual situations of players” when they seek her counsel about their professional futures.

“My responsibilities as a coach involve listening, supporting, guiding, and recognizing that each player has unique needs at different junctures,” Hayes explained to reporters. “Typically, they have already reached decisions about their desired course of action and then approach me to discuss preparations.”

This process was replicated during Thompson’s significant move to Chelsea, according to both Thompson and Hayes.

Chelsea conveyed its intent to secure Thompson, and the 20-year-old expressed her desire to challenge herself with what she called “her dream team” during her introductory interview with the club. Hayes primarily sought to ascertain that Thompson comprehended the realities and difficulties, including being separated from her sister, Gisele, who had been a teammate on both club and international levels. The USWNT coach indicated that she had more reservations about the transfer than Thompson did.

What are the key recent developments for Americans when deciding where to play? First: The increased willingness of leading clubs, both European and NWSL, to invest more substantially. All six transfers exceeding $1 million have transpired this year, and all involved clubs from Europe or the NWSL. As European teams escalate their spending, a greater number of these transfers are shifting across the Atlantic Ocean.

Second: U.S. Soccer’s choice to disengage from the NWSL’s operations, literally. Up until 2022, USWNT players entered into contracts with U.S. Soccer even for their NWSL participation. These “federation players” were, at that time, the highest-compensated athletes in the NWSL. The prior arrangement served as a mechanism to retain USWNT players in the NWSL, a league established and managed by U.S. Soccer until 2021. Every one of the 23 players on the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning squads were based within the country (Abby Wambach was without a club team during the 2015 World Cup).

Former USWNT striker Christen Press has openly discussed how her initial period abroad was prematurely concluded in 2014 because U.S. Soccer directed her to join the NWSL if she wished to remain on the national team.

USWNT midfielder Lindsey Heaps reaffirmed last week what had been known for several years: “My initial decision, while at PSG, to return to the U.S. [in 2016] was the result of a conversation with Jill [Ellis, former USWNT coach] and myself. At that point, being in the U.S. was almost a prerequisite due to our camp status.” Heaps, as a young player, had aspirations of making the 2016 Olympic roster.

However, the USWNT’s new CBA, ratified in 2022, currently compensates players solely based on their selections and appearances with the USWNT. The outcome has been a more competitive USWNT pool devoid of contractual obligations, alongside a shift in the equilibrium of power between U.S. Soccer and NWSL teams.

As one NWSL general manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed ESPN, NWSL teams were formerly at the mercy of the federation when it came to USWNT players because U.S. Soccer covered their wages. Now, “the situation has reversed,” and NWSL teams are committing millions to players.

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USWNT players and the allure of Europe

The trend of leading USWNT players moving to Europe is not a recent occurrence. Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan transferred to Lyon in 2013 and 2017, respectively, where they earned more in a month than many NWSL colleagues did during the corresponding season. (The NWSL’s minimum salary at its inception in 2013 was $6,000.)

Throughout the NWSL’s existence, a select few have undertaken journeys to Europe. Some, such as Press, sought opportunities to jumpstart their international careers. Others, like Rapinoe and Morgan, seized the chance to venture outside their comfort zones while also receiving unprecedented wages as prominent figures in their prime. More recently, Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis relocated to Manchester City following their outstanding 2019 World Cup performances.

And then there was the most unconventional path, that of an American teenager bypassing collegiate soccer altogether and heading to Europe to realize her aspirations. Heaps spearheaded this route from Colorado to Paris Saint-Germain as an 18-year-old in 2012.

Historically, a surge of USWNT players going to Europe has followed a cyclical pattern. The previously mentioned stars departed the NWSL after either a World Cup or an Olympics—the less active years of a four-year cycle. Girma and Thompson have mirrored this pattern, although they signed long-term contracts to remain at Chelsea. Extended contract durations are a prevalent trend in women’s soccer globally, resulting in transfer fees quadrupling to over $12 million worldwide in just two years.

Ideally, according to Hayes and Heaps, players should refrain from switching clubs during a World Cup year to maintain a stable environment, but even this is not an unwavering rule.

“There are numerous considerations involved,” Heaps told reporters last week. “Every individual is unique. You cannot compare experiences, but you can share your own experiences, what worked for you, what didn’t, and maintain transparency.”

Currently, the lucrative, record-breaking transfer opportunities at major European clubs are still limited to the top 1% of players.

USWNT defender Naomi Girma departed San Diego Wave FC for Chelsea in November in the world’s first $1 million transfer. Thompson followed in September with a $1.4 million transfer. Both players rank among the best or are projected to become among the best globally in their respective positions. Lily Yohannes is an emerging 18-year-old star who has competed in Europe for several years already and is currently Heaps’ teammate at Lyon and with the USWNT.

Multiple NWSL general managers recently informed ESPN that the competition for elite players globally, including Americans, remains confined to a select group of European teams. One GM characterized the exclusive group of competitors willing to spend significantly as those that reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. This pool of European teams participating in this financial contest has remained relatively stable over the past decade: OL Lyonnes, an eight-time European champion, and Chelsea are leading the charge, alongside a few others.

These teams are consistently contenders in the Champions League, which is a key factor in players’ choices. For many Americans, perhaps influenced by the prominence of the men’s competition, the UEFA Women’s Champions League remains the most prestigious club trophy they can pursue.

Yohannes joined OL Lyonnes during the summer following her breakthrough year with the Dutch club Ajax.

“Lyon is such a prominent club, one that I have watched and admired while growing up,” Yohannes stated last week preceding the USWNT’s match in Chester, Pennsylvania. “I was thrilled to have the chance to join the club. The project and their plans for me were appealing, and I believe their style of play suits me. It’s an exceptional club with numerous world-class players. This was a key consideration [in the decision], in addition to other elements and factors.”

Currently, NWSL teams do not participate in any competition that matches the prestige of the UEFA Champions League—Concacaf’s equivalent competition is only in its second season. Furthermore, countless factors influence players’ personal decisions, including the desire to immerse themselves in different cultures abroad.

USWNT defender Emily Fox departed the NWSL for Arsenal in early 2024 to experience a new culture and the impressive stadiums in London. A little over a year later, she played a vital role in Arsenal’s stunning run to a UEFA Champions League title.

However, not all international moves result in triumph. Jenna Nighswonger left NJ/NY Gotham FC for Arsenal after securing an Olympic gold medal the previous year and has encountered difficulties in securing first-team minutes. USWNT veteran Crystal Dunn has also been unable to secure a starting role in Paris Saint-Germain’s preferred lineup.

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Can the NWSL prevent Americans from leaving?

Individual preferences and aspirations of players are neither modifiable nor controllable. Cities like Paris or London will invariably retain their allure, offering attractive lifestyles abroad alongside exceptional professional prospects.

There is widespread consensus that exposure to varied playing styles is advantageous, especially when World Cups are imminent. While recognizing the unique circumstances of each player, Heaps acknowledges that she believes all players should experience different cultures during their careers. Hayes frequently speaks about the advantages of the UEFA Champions League, even complimenting Portugal for defeating the USWNT last week.

However, the recent departures of Thompson and Girma from the NWSL to Chelsea have sparked renewed discussions regarding the NWSL’s salary cap, which is set to remain in place until at least 2030 according to the collective bargaining agreement ratified the previous year. The league’s cap is projected to rise from a $3.3 million base this year ($3.5 million with revenue sharing) to a $5.1 million base in 2030.

One NWSL general manager, speaking anonymously, disclosed to ESPN concerns that “more dominos will fall” during the next transfer window. Thompson’s departure represents a significant loss for the NWSL, both on and off the field, as she was one of the league’s most promising young Americans. Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, who is arguably the NWSL’s and USWNT’s biggest star, is out of contract at the end of the year.

League executives widely fear that the salary cap will not proportionally increase alongside the global market, hindering NWSL teams from maintaining competitiveness. Allocation money, which previously enabled clubs to exceed the cap, is being phased out.

While some sources have conveyed to ESPN their desire to establish some form of designated player rule to compensate top players outside the cap, there are no indications that such a concept will materialize in the near future.

The cap is particularly frustrating for the most ambitious NWSL teams, many of whom believe that their objective of becoming the premier club globally is unattainable in a league with a salary cap—a concept unfamiliar to their European counterparts. If the NWSL cannot attract the world’s most accomplished players, it will struggle to continue promoting itself as the world’s best league.

In response to ESPN’s inquiry during a media roundtable after September’s board meeting, Berman stated that NWSL clubs can still be the best globally within a salary-cap framework.

“I actually believe that we can accomplish both—we can be the premier league globally and have the premier club globally—because we possess the right infrastructure, investment, and operational model, where our teams and owners are partners in business,” she explained.

The rapidly evolving global economy continues to challenge this notion. The world record for a transfer fee approximately doubled in about 18 months, and experts ranging from team executives to agents anticipate that the rate of growth in spending will not abate anytime soon. This poses a unique challenge for the NWSL, which, aside from significant variability surrounding revenue sharing, has a defined salary cap for the next five years.

However, resolving this matter falls within the NWSL’s purview. While the league and federation remain partners, the NWSL’s concerns are no longer as directly aligned with those of the USWNT. What Hayes and her continuously growing pool of players require are clubs that will motivate them to achieve their maximum potential individually—irrespective of location.

“The remarkable aspect of women’s soccer and its current state is the abundance of opportunities available to players,” Hayes observed. “We want the USWNT to be the best team globally. We want them to be in the best environments globally. While the NWSL would ideally serve as that environment, the ultimate decision is not mine.”

Every player has the autonomy to make their own decision, and the range of viable choices is greater than ever before.